Marvin Vettori was caught on camera allegedly punching Omar Nguale Ilunga, a rapper and professional boxer, at a boxing event in Italy.
The incident took place in Milan, where Vettori, a UFC middleweight contender, was attending DAZN's latest show. Vettori's friend was reportedly involved in the altercation, which led to the incident.
Vettori intervened when Tony Effe started brawling.
UFC Star Marvin Vettori drops Rapper / Pro Boxer Ion with a hammer fist who was brawling with his good friend Tony Effe... pic.twitter.com/4wv6eAkzap
— Fight Haven (@FightHaven) March 25, 2023
MMA reporter Al Zullino has claimed that Marvin Vettori was caught on video throwing punches during a brawl at the boxing event in Milan. The incident reportedly occurred when Vettori intervened to help one of his friends who was in trouble.
Recently, Vettori was in London competing against Roman Dolidze on the undercard of UFC 286, where he showcased his impressive striking ability and secured a unanimous decision win with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28. After the fight, he called out three of the top UFC middleweights.
In a post-fight interview, Vettori said, "It was the first time my mum came to watch me fight in the UFC."
Vettori got involved one week after winning at UFC 286
Vettori’s place in the 185lb title picture remains unclear because he recently lost to former champion Robert Whittaker and has twice fallen short in fights against Adesanya.
‘The Last Stylebender’ will look to win back the middleweight belt when he rematches his old kickboxing rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287 next month.
If Adesanya is victorious, it seems unlikely the UFC would book a third fight with Vettori.
However, a win for Pereira could put the 19-6-1 fighter back in contention.
Either way, it appears that Vettori will need at least one more win to earn a second title shot and Cannonier could be the man he squares off against next.